Early 1800s Rare Accessory "The Proposal"

Live Auction

2 1/2" (6 cm.) h. of purse. A small white linen hand-stitched purse with ruffled detail and cutwork design preserves a secret message. On the remains of a parchment envelope is written in diminutive brown ink script "Miss A Chamberlain presents"; the envelope remains protect a tiny hand-cut paper glove which is decorated with a silver foil heart and applique paper accents. Generally excellent, mid-1800s. In an article title "The Proposal" appearing in Doll Collectors Manual 1983, Lorna Lieberman wrote of this treasure and the custom that accompanied it. "Miss Chamberlain is answering a proposal of marriage. A proper Victorian custom, apparently for dolls as well as for young ladies of breeding, required a non-verbal reply be sent to the ardent suitor. If the lady in question returned a mitten to her admirer, it would mean 'thank you but no thank you'. If, on the other hand, she returned a glove, it would signify acceptance".